The majority of Thai people are supportive of research into the human genome, but oppose human cloning for reproductive purposes, according to the results of a poll reported today in the Bangkok Post.

The survey, commissioned by Thailand's National Health Foundation and the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, questioned more than 2,500 people. Nearly two-thirds said that scientists and medical institutes should be able to conduct research on the human genome for medical purposes.

However more than 80 per cent said that human cloning for reproductive purposes is unacceptable. Respondents were almost equally divided as to whether people should be able to determine the sex of their baby.

The survey also shows that the Thai public has a better grasp of biotechnology concepts than its politicians. Only a third of the politicians questioned could give a satisfactory definition of human genetics, while 86 per cent of the public answered correctly.